[*]head of the family [*]distant and firm - a slightly frightening authority figure in all of his relationships [*]allows Mrs Norris to indulge his children, leading to disaster for three of them [*]takes a long time to realise the strength of Fanny's merits, but is always kind to her - if in a rather distant manner [*]approves wholeheartedly of the Crawfords until Henry and Maria run off [*]can see how stupid Rushworth is, but allows the marriage to go ahead